Takeaway food plan back on the menu

JUST two months after planning chiefs threw out a controversial plan to open a hot food takeaway on a small shopping precinct, identical proposals have been put forward.
More than 80 residents – who were celebrating victory back in May – have again lodged objections to the scheme in Orchard Street, Fearnhead, Warrington.
It will be the sixth time since 1983 that plans for a takeaway shop have been submitted for Orchard Street.
All the previous applications were thrown out – despite planning officers recommending they be approved.
Officers are again supporting the scheme but, as previously, it is fiercely opposed by Fearnhead Parish Council and by borough councillors Colin Oliver and Scott Wilson.
Residents’ fears included anti-social behaviour, noise, smells, litter, traffic and parking problems and road safety.
Objectors say the shop is in a quiet residential area, close to houses and the proposals would be detrimental to the amenities of the area.
They point out there are already a number of takeaway shops in the area and the proposal would only lead to increased anti-social behaviour and litter.
But planning officers say an adjoining car park has sufficient capacity to cope with any traffic generated by the takeaway.
They do not consider any additional traffic generated by the proposal would have such an impact on the local highway network to justify refusal.
Smells, noise and other problems can be controlled by imposing conditions.
They also point out that the shop already has a lawful retail use over which the council has no control. If it was used as a video shop or off licence there would be scope to control opening hours.
The planners acknowledge a hot food takeaway shop would result “comings and goings” late into the evening, but they do not believe it would be sufficient to warrant refusal.